We can now confirm that the as-yet untitled Star Wars Episode VIII will be released in cinemas on 26 May 2017 – leaving under a year and half between this and seventh movie The Force Awakens.

Rian Johnson, who is best remembered for directing intelligent sci-fi thriller Looper (as well as indie favourites Brick and The Brothers Bloom), will write and direct the film, in addition to Episode IX. Exciting times to be a Star Wars fan indeed…